Full Breakdown
Jackie the Big Bear Bald Eagle Remains Critically Ill and Unstable
8/10/2026, 8:48:54 AM
Current Health Status
The Ojai Raptor Center reports that Jackie, Patient 26-519, is “critically ill” and her condition is “unstable.” Her packed cell volume (PCV) dropped below 6 % on Saturday and rose to 9 % on Sunday—still far below the normal 35-55 % range. She continues to receive round-the-clock oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and intensive monitoring.
Background & Context
Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle known from the “Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam” run by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), was found grounded near Dana Point Park on July 17 2026 after a territorial fight. She received a blood transfusion from another eagle on July 20 2026 and began oxygen therapy the same day. Initial bloodwork showed severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
Data & Statistics
- PCV values: < 6 % (Saturday), 9 % (Sunday)
- Ideal PCV: > 30 % for a healthy eagle
- Veterinary team: nine veterinarians plus U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife representatives
- Diagnostics: contrast CT scan and bone-marrow biopsy completed in early August; heavy-metal and specialized testing pending
- Tests ruled out: lead poisoning, cancer, fishing-hook ingestion
Official Statements & Responses
The center said no further medical update can be provided until pending laboratory results arrive. FOBBV described the season as one of “uncertainty” for the eagle family and urged supporters to be kind to each other.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know how deeply many of you care about this eagle, and we understand how difficult it is to receive an update like this,” — Chris Eksteen, raptor center executive
- “At this time, there is no further medical update we can provide,” — Ojai Raptor Center
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on Jackie’s lowest PCV, citing either “below 6 %” or “below 10 %.” Both figures appear in updates from the center, reflecting a range of severity. While lead poisoning, cancer, and fishing-hook ingestion have been excluded, the cause of the anemia and kidney inflammation remains unknown pending further tests.
What’s Next
The veterinary team will review pending laboratory results from the bone-marrow biopsy and advanced imaging as soon as they are available. The primary goal is to stabilize Jackie’s red-blood-cell count to allow eventual rehabilitation and release back into Big Bear territory with her mate, Shadow. Supporters are asked not to contact staff directly and to focus on positive thoughts while diagnostics are completed.
